A Belcarra home was destroyed after a blaze ripped through the structure Wednesday night — but things could have been much worse, according to the chief of Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD).
Jay Sharpe said with the hot, dry weather that has enveloped the Lower Mainland in recent weeks, even the smallest spark could have lit up neighbouring homes and nearby trees.
Upon arrival, the first crew quickly doused the surrounding area and Sharpe said it was lucky the property had no overhanging trees.
Crews were also fortunate that a training session for SVFD happened to be taking place Wednesday night and a large number of the contingent were on hand when the call came in.
“Other than the fire, everything worked out well,” Sharpe told The Tri-City News Thursday.
“The first-in crew did exactly what they needed to do and that is protect all the exposures… If you make a mistake and don’t pay attention to the exposures, it could have been a lot worse.”
Firefighters arrived at the Senkler Road house at around 7:30 p.m. and it took approximately an hour and a half to knock down the flames.
Sharpe said it is still unknown what caused the fire but that it appeared to start on the roof and quickly move throughout the 3,500-sq. ft. home.
“The entire roof structure collapsed into the house,” Sharpe said. “At this point, it appears the house will be a total loss. The main structure is still intact but there is significant water and smoke damage throughout.”
One person was home when the fire started but was able to escape without injury. Crews were still on scene Thursday morning dousing hot spots and making sure the flames were completely out.
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